At VPR we take recycling very seriously. So much so, that we started a "Recycle Wall" on the bulletin board in the kitchen to remind staff of all the different items we can - and should - recycle.

We all remember to recycle aluminum cans and paper, but what about the takeout sushi container or aluminum foil? This wall is our not-so-subtle reminder that there's a lot more to recycling than soda cans and scrap paper.

posted by Jonathan Butler, Web Producer, VPR

There are lots of things we can all do to me less wasteful. Many seem small and negligible, but when they're all added up they really do make a difference.

Here at the VPR Studios, we put up a "Green Tips" board and collected staff and visitor ideas for how we can all be a little greener. Here are some of the ideas we heard...

... carpool!
... ride your bike (infinite miles-per-gallon)
... unplug appliances when not in use, or plug them into a power strip you can easily turn off
... use cloth diapers, or diapers that can be composted
... grow some of your own food, or join a CSA
... buy bulk food: coffee, cooking supplies, cereal, etc.
... burn more wood (and other renewable energy sources)
... ride a Harley! (our tip-board was anonymous, but this tip has Walter Parker written all over it)
... always use reusable bags
... leave the clippings when you mow the lawn
... don't mow the whole yard! Leave an overgrown area as meadows are great habitats for birds and insects
... wear a sweater when it's cold, rather than turning up the heat
... wear shorts when it's warm, rather than cranking up the AC
... compost - don't throw anything into the trash that is organic
... use lithium rechargeable batteries instead of disposables
... and be less disposable all around: paper towels, batteries, cloth diapers, sugar packets, and individually wrapped cleaning supplies (e.g. disposable dust mops, etc.)

These are some of the ideas that came from VPR staff and visitors.

Tell us what you're doing, even if it's already posted!
What are you doing to teach your children to be more environmentally aware?
Are there resources or ideas or localvore recipes you suggest?

Use old newspapers with mulch cover to keep weeds down in your garden.

Susan, Lyme NH
(posted by VPR)

It's excellent that VPR is using email acknowledgments instead of paper.

Jeanette, Danby VT
(posted by VPR)

Eat locally - farmer/garden - bake your own bread.

Erica & Erik, Vergennes VT
(posted by VPR)

Our Honda Civic Hybrid gets 54 miles to the gallon!

Donna & Roger, Colchester VT
(posted by VPR)

Visit the Shelburne Farmer's Market (or other farmer's markets) and buy local products.

Mary, Shelburne VT
(posted by VPR)

... and drive less!

Richard & Sarah, Montpelier VT
(posted by VPR)

I have a small yard and use a blade mower and hand trimmer to clean up.

Dawna, Shelburne VT
(posted by VPR)

Get your motorcycle out of the garage and ride (much better mileage than most cars)

William, Waitsfield VT
(posted by VPR)

Use digital timers for TV, computers, and other electronics. This can add up and save money and electricity.

Steven, Morrisville VT
(posted by VPR)

Ride your bike more often.

Sean, Burlington VT
(posted by VPR)

Biking to work, participating in a CSA at the intervale, not driving my car, consuming less, buying used stuff rather than new, recycling, composting and voting with my money! Business as usual!

Carpool to work and wash with cold water.

Jo Ellen, Manchester VT
(posted by VPR)

Get an energy audit from VT Gas and start by turning down the heat.

Tom, Essex Junction VT
(posted by VPR)

Remove me from the mailing list: I prefer emails.

Dan & Jen, Burlington VT
(posted by VPR)

Vermont should begin first class rail service.

David, Warren VT
(posted by VPR)

Turn off the water while brushing your teeth!

Teresa, Bakersfield VT
(posted by VPR)

Vermont RideShare: for those interested in carpooling, the VT Agency of Transportation sponsors this free carpool matching service for commuters.
Click here for the link


Craigslist.org also has a popular rideshare board for people driving to NY, Boston, etc. who are looking to share the ride and the cost.


EcoLogical Solutions: The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources suggests these "simple ways we can help Vermont's environment every day". They really are logical, useful suggestions for taking better care of our environs. Topics include "Children and Our Environment", "Lawn and Yard Care", "Automotive Maintenance", and "Detoxifying Your Home".
Click here for the link.

Three suggestions for staying cool at home in the summer:
1) Sit with your bare feet in a container of cold water for a while.
2) If that isn't enough, immerse yourself in about 6 inches of cold water in the bathtub. Leave the water in the tub for cooling baths throughout the day.
3) "Natural" air conditioning: Weather permitting, leave windows open all night. (Expel residual warm air with a window fan in the morning.) Close windows and drapes. The interior will remain amazingly cool until late afternoon.

Susan, Rutland VT
(posted by VPR)